How to Move to Australia – Citizenship Guide (2017)

Australia is a country with promising career opportunities. A quality life, high employment rate, and vibrant cities await anyone who would like to immigrate to Australia. It is one of the many countries that allow individuals from across the world to live and work there permanently.

Melbourne was ranked as the most liveable city in the world for the fifth year in a row. Other cities such as Adelaide, Sydney, and Perth also made it to the world’s top 10 cities. Similarly, Sydney was also named the most affordable city for young people to live.

To be able to work and live in Australia, migrants will need to apply for a visa. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to move to Australia.

Table of Contents

All applicants who wish to move to Australia will have to undergo a complex process.

1. Migration Agent
To help ensure that you provide all necessary information and documents, a migration agent or expert can help you. They can directly speak with Australian government officials.

Notes to remember:

The agent must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)

Agents registered with MARA can speak with government officials on your behalf

Most migration agents live and work in Australia. There are also some agents based overseas.

2. Type of Visa
Choose which type of visa you’ll need. The Australian government provides online resources to help applicants find the right visa type for them. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) Visa Wizard can help you decide. You will learn further about types of visa below.

3. Sponsor
A partner category visa requires a person to sponsor your visit. The sponsor must hold Australian citizenship or a permanent resident. Moreover, New Zealand citizens can also sponsor you.

Australian Visa Types

1. Employer as Sponsor
Getting a work visa is possible if an Australian company will sponsor or offer you a job. Eventually, you can use this visa to turn it to a permanent residency after two years of working for the same employer.

This is also possible through the General Skilled Migration program. This method is perfect for certain approved skills. Moreover, doctors, medical practitioners, and nurses can come to the country on a permanent visa.

2. Family visa
A partner, spouse, child, or parent is already a citizen or permanent resident of Australia can sponsor their relative. A migration visa can be issued depending on your relationship with your sponsor.

There are two types of Family visa:

Partner or Spouse Visa: Applicant must be a spouse, fiance, or interdependent partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Parent & Child Visa: Applicant must be able to migrate to Australia if your child already holds Australian citizenship or permanent resident of the country. Similarly, minors can migrate to Australia as the dependent child, orphan relative, or adopted the child of a citizen or permanent resident.

3. Working Holiday Visa
If you want to live and work in Australia on a short term basis (12 months), you can opt for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV).

This visa type will not allow you to spend more than six months working for any one employer. It is not an option for permanent residency, a good way to live and work in Australia.

Requirements for WHV:

Aged 18-30 to qualify for a WHV

A valid passport with at least six months left until its expiration

Must prove that you’ll be able to financially support yourself once you arrive in Australia

Once you’ve decided which visa type you’re going for, you can now proceed in applying for the Australian visa.

1. Gather all documents
Provide everything relevant to your job hunting in Australia. Basic health requirements must also be met. You will be provided with a checklist of all supporting documents which should be included in the application. You can use your Immigration Account if you want to apply online.

Requirements may vary according to visa type and usually include the following:

Completed & signed form

Payment of the Australian Government Visa Application Charge

Copy of valid passport or travel documents of all people included in the application

Evidence of international travel history in the last 5 years

Two recent passport-sized photographs, no more than 6 months old

Completing the My Health Declaration

Letter from your employer – stating your position, length of employment and income) and the period of approved leave

Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your personal support during your stay in Australia

Letter from Employer in Australia

2. Complete the application
Provide as much information as possible to speed up the process of your application. This also lessens the chance of DIBP asking for more documentation.

3. Submit your application
Complete and attach your documentation and submit them to DIBP. This is just the beginning of the approval process.

For partner or spouse visa, you can pay up to $6875 for your visa application. You can submit your application personally or via mail. You must seal the forms in an envelope, and be sure to include paper copies of all required documentation. You can then mail to the DIBP.

1. What is the difference between permanent residence and migration?
If you apply outside Australia, you are applying to migrate. If you apply in Australia, you are applying for permanent residence.

2. What are the required health examinations permanent residence?
All applicants for permanent visas are required to undergo health examinations. You and all dependent family members must meet strict health standards. Even members of your immediate family who do not intend to migrate must meet the health requirements.

3. Why are character checks required to enter/stay in Australia?
People who want to either immigrate to Australia or stay temporarily on working and tourist visas must be of good character. There is a test to ensure that visa applicants, people seeking to migrate to Australia and visa holders are of acceptable character.

4. How can I obtain proof that I am a permanent resident?
When you are granted permanent residence, a visa label is put into your passport as proof that you are a permanent resident of Australia.

5. How do I become an Australian citizen?
The Australian Government welcomes applications from eligible permanent residents who wish to make their commitment to Australia by becoming Australian citizens.